Muscle Tension

I realised today that my kata has a lack of muscle tension in key places. Most techniques must be carried out with max speed and internal muscle tension can reduce this speed if used incorrectly, so to outward appearances my kata looks fine – the actual shape and locus of movements is pretty accurate. However, certain techniques require strength of form in order to unbalance the opponent or disrupt his posture. Since I do not have any tension in those techniques, each time I practise those techniques with a partner I suddenly find that I’m not able to effectively use them.

Having watched Greg practise his kata (Sanchin in particular) and knowing that Greg’s karate comes from Goju-ryu roots, I know that his technique possesses a great deal of internal strength. Greg tends to put tension in many of the techniques which I practise myself without tension. Now I see that Greg and I come from opposite ends of the spectrum and we can learn from each other. I am pretty certain that Greg needs to loosen up on some techniques to generate speed and fluidity, and I need to strengthen my musculature on some to disrupt the opponent and to retain a strong base.

This to me seems like a major eureka moment right now. Hopefully I’ll capitalise on it and improve my karate as a result.